Yaku

The problem Yaku is addressing is the urgent issue of plastic and microplastic pollution in Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world. Plastic pollution in Lake Michigan threatens aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and public health. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, are particularly insidious as they can accumulate in the food chain, potentially harming marine life and entering human bodies through consumption of contaminated seafood and water.

The scale of the problem in the communities surrounding Lake Michigan is significant, with millions of people affected by the pollution and its consequences. Globally, plastic pollution is a widespread issue, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the world's oceans every year.

In Lake Michigan specifically, factors contributing to plastic pollution include urban runoff, industrial waste, and littering. Yaku's solution addresses this problem by mobilizing volunteers for beach clean-ups, which directly removes plastic debris from the shoreline and prevents it from entering the lake. Additionally, our data collection efforts provide valuable information on the types and quantities of plastic pollution present in Lake Michigan, aiding research efforts to understand the scope of the issue and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Local statistics show that plastic pollution is a significant problem in Lake Michigan, with studies indicating high concentrations of microplastics in the water and along the shoreline. According to research by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan has one of the highest concentrations of plastic pollution among the Great Lakes, with an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic entering the lake each year. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to address plastic pollution in Lake Michigan, and Yaku is committed to working towards a cleaner and healthier lake for current and future generations.

In collaboration with the Pachacamak Foundation, Yaku has collected approximately 1,000 pounds of plastic pollution from Lake Michigan's shores. This significant effort spanned from 2021 to 2023, with volunteers dedicating one hour per week in all seasons to conduct beach clean-ups. The data collected by the Pachacamak Foundation further underscores the scale of the plastic pollution problem in Lake Michigan and emphasizes the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts. Through Yaku's continued mobilization of volunteers and data collection initiatives, we are working tirelessly towards a cleaner and healthier Lake Michigan ecosystem.

Yaku is a mobile app that connects volunteers who care about the environment with opportunities to clean up plastic pollution along the shores of Lake Michigan. Through the app, users can sign up for beach clean-up events, where they'll join other volunteers to collect and remove plastic waste from the beach. The app also provides information and resources to help volunteers understand the importance of their actions and how they can make a difference in preserving the health of Lake Michigan.

Yaku uses geolocation technology to pinpoint clean-up locations and organize events, making it easy for volunteers to find opportunities to get involved. Additionally, the app allows volunteers to track their progress and see the impact of their efforts over time.

In addition to organizing beach clean-up events, Yaku also features a research data page where volunteers can record important items they've picked up during their clean-ups. This data collection helps to identify patterns and trends in the types of plastic pollution found on Lake Michigan's shores, which can be used to advocate for policy changes and inform conservation efforts. By documenting and sharing their findings through the app, volunteers contribute valuable information that can lead to meaningful changes in policies and practices aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

Please see the link:

https://www.jotform.com/app/23...

 

Yaku is dedicated to directly and meaningfully improving the lives of the Indigenous communities in Chicago and around the Great Lakes region by integrating Indigenous ethics of protecting nature, water, and biodiversity. We recognize the deep connection that Indigenous peoples have with the land and waterways, and we aim to honor and support their stewardship efforts.

To understand the needs of Indigenous communities, we engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with local Indigenous leaders, organizations, and community members. This includes listening sessions, community meetings, and cultural exchanges to ensure that our solution is culturally sensitive and responsive to their needs and values.

Our solution addresses the needs of Indigenous communities by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement in environmental conservation efforts. Through the Yaku app, Indigenous volunteers can participate in beach clean-up events, contribute to data collection efforts, and advocate for policy changes to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. By empowering Indigenous communities to take an active role in preserving their natural heritage, Yaku aims to strengthen community resilience, promote cultural revitalization, and ensure the health and well-being of future generations.

Our team is deeply rooted in the communities we aim to serve, particularly Indigenous communities in Chicago and around the Great Lakes. Many of us have personal connections to these communities, either through family ties, cultural immersion, or longstanding relationships with local leaders and organizations.

Our team lead and members are representative of the diverse perspectives and experiences within these communities. We understand the cultural nuances, historical context, and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in relation to environmental conservation and stewardship of natural resources.

In designing and delivering the Yaku solution, we prioritize community engagement and collaboration. We actively seek input, ideas, and agendas from Indigenous community members through listening sessions, community meetings, and cultural exchanges. This ensures that our solution is authentically driven by the needs, values, and aspirations of the communities it serves.

By centering Indigenous voices and perspectives, we honor the wisdom and knowledge that these communities possess. Our approach is guided by the principle of co-creation, where community members are active participants in shaping the direction and implementation of the solution. This ensures that Yaku is not just a tool for environmental conservation, but a reflection of the collective vision and resilience of Indigenous communities in preserving their natural heritage for generations to come.

We selected the current stage because we have successfully developed and tested a prototype of the Yaku app. This prototype allows volunteers to sign up for beach clean-up events, gather data on plastic pollution collected during these events, and engage in community-driven environmental conservation efforts.

Throughout the testing phase, we have engaged with a diverse group of volunteers and community members to gather feedback on the usability and functionality of the app. This iterative process has allowed us to refine and improve the user experience to better meet the needs of our target audience.

To date, we have served a small number of customers and beneficiaries through our testing phase. While the number is modest, the feedback and insights we have gathered from these early users have been invaluable in shaping the development of the app and ensuring its effectiveness in addressing plastic pollution in Lake Michigan.

Moving forward, we aim to scale up our efforts and reach a larger audience of volunteers and community members to further expand the impact of the Yaku app and make meaningful strides towards a cleaner and healthier Lake Michigan ecosystem.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address complex challenges such as plastic pollution in Lake Michigan. While we have made significant progress in developing the Yaku app prototype, we recognize that there are specific barriers that Solve can help us overcome to further advance our solution.

One barrier we face is the need for additional technology advisors to enhance the functionality and scalability of the app. With Solve's network of experts and partners, we hope to connect with experienced professionals who can provide valuable insights and guidance to optimize the app for maximum impact.

Additionally, we require more financial support to sustain and expand our efforts. While we are committed to leveraging non-monetary resources and partnerships, additional funding would enable us to invest in technology upgrades, community outreach initiatives, and scaling up our operations to reach a larger audience of volunteers and beneficiaries.

By participating in Solve, we aim to access the resources, expertise, and networks necessary to overcome these barriers and accelerate the growth and impact of the Yaku solution. We are not solely focused on raising funds, but rather on leveraging Solve's platform to connect with partners who can provide both monetary and non-monetary support to help us achieve our mission of a cleaner and healthier Lake Michigan ecosystem and other ecosystems around the planet.

Our Team Lead, a Kichwa woman activist, has deep connections to the community in which our project is based. She is actively involved in protecting water sources and passing on Indigenous knowledge about preserving water by safeguarding natural spaces and participating in clean-up efforts to remove pollutants. Through her advocacy work and cultural engagement, she fosters strong relationships with community members and Indigenous leaders, ensuring that our project is grounded in local perspectives and guided by Indigenous values of environmental stewardship and conservation.

Our solution stands out for its innovative approach to addressing plastic pollution in Lake Michigan. Unlike traditional clean-up efforts, Yaku combines community engagement, data collection, and advocacy to tackle the problem in a holistic and sustainable manner.

By mobilizing volunteers through a user-friendly app, we empower individuals to take direct action in cleaning up plastic pollution along the shores of Lake Michigan. Our data collection feature provides valuable insights into the types and quantities of plastic waste, enabling evidence-based decision-making and policy advocacy.

Yaku's emphasis on community engagement and data-driven solutions has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the environmental conservation space. By demonstrating the effectiveness of grassroots efforts in addressing plastic pollution, we inspire other communities and organizations to adopt similar approaches, leading to a ripple effect of positive change.

Furthermore, Yaku has the potential to change the market landscape by showcasing the value of technology in environmental stewardship. As more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of leveraging technology for conservation efforts, we anticipate an increase in demand for innovative solutions like Yaku, ultimately driving market growth and investment in this space.

Our theory of change for Yaku is based on the belief that by mobilizing volunteers, collecting data, and advocating for policy changes, we can create a ripple effect of positive impact on the problem of plastic pollution in Lake Michigan and other waters around the world

1. Activities: Mobilizing volunteers through the Yaku app for beach clean-up events, collecting data on plastic pollution, and advocating for policy changes.

2. Outputs: Increased participation in clean-up events, data on plastic waste, and awareness raised about plastic pollution.

3. Immediate Outcomes:

   • Reduction in plastic waste along Lake Michigan's shores or other shores.
   • Enhanced understanding of plastic pollution's scope and impact.
   • Increased engagement and empowerment of community members.

4. Intermediate Outcomes:

   • Improved health of Lake Michigan's ecosystem and wildlife.
   • Implementation of policies to mitigate plastic pollution.
   • Positive changes in behavior and attitudes towards plastic use and waste management.

5. Long-Term Outcomes:

   • Sustained reduction in plastic pollution levels.
   • Restoration of Lake Michigan's ecosystem and biodiversity.
   • Creation of a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Through these activities and outcomes, we expect Yaku to catalyze broader positive impacts by inspiring other communities and organizations to adopt similar approaches, ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier Lake Michigan ecosystem.

Impact goals:

1. Reduce plastic pollution: We aim to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste along Lake Michigan's shores, contributing to the restoration of the lake's ecosystem and the protection of wildlife.

2. Increase community engagement: We strive to engage a diverse and inclusive community of volunteers in environmental conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over Lake Michigan's natural resources.

3. Influence policy change: We seek to advocate for policy changes at local and regional levels to mitigate plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.

4. Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage: We aim to raise awareness about the cultural significance of Lake Michigan and its surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of preserving this natural heritage for future generations.

5. Reduce adverse environmental impact of cities: We aim to contribute to the reduction of per capita environmental impact of cities, particularly focusing on air quality and waste management, by implementing effective clean-up efforts and advocating for policy changes.

6. Prevent and reduce marine pollution: We aim to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including marine debris and nutrient pollution, through our clean-up initiatives and community education efforts.

7. Enhance regional and international cooperation on science, technology, and innovation: We aim to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing on environmental conservation and technology innovation, promoting collaboration among different regions and countries to address plastic pollution and other environmental challenges effectively.

The core technology powering our solution, Yaku, is a mobile application designed to mobilize volunteers and facilitate community-driven clean-up efforts to address plastic pollution in Lake Michigan and other waters and beaches of the world.

The Yaku app leverages modern technology, including mobile app development frameworks and cloud-based storage systems, to create an intuitive and user-friendly platform for volunteers to sign up for clean-up events, track their participation, and report data on plastic waste collected.

Key features of the Yaku app include:

1. Geolocation: The app uses GPS technology to identify clean-up sites along Lake Michigan's shores, making it easy for volunteers to find nearby events and participate in community clean-up efforts.

2. Data collection: Volunteers can use the app to record information about the types and quantities of plastic waste collected during clean-up events. This data is stored securely in the app's database and can be analyzed to gain insights into pollution patterns and inform policy advocacy efforts.

3. Community engagement: The app provides a platform for volunteers to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose around environmental conservation.

4. Advocacy tools: Yaku includes features to support advocacy efforts, such as sharing data and stories from clean-up events on social media, contacting local policymakers, and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

In addition to leveraging modern technology, Yaku also recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge systems and technologies in environmental conservation. By integrating Indigenous wisdom and cultural practices into our approach, we honor the ancestral connection to the land and waterways and seek to create a solution that is both technologically advanced and culturally sensitive.

In Chicago.

US National. 

2 people.

Since 2011. 13 years

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for our team at Yaku. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches our work and fosters innovation. Here's how we ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a diversity of backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and cultural heritage. We value different perspectives and strive to incorporate them into our decision-making processes.

2. Recruitment and Hiring Practices: We prioritize diversity in our recruitment efforts and strive to minimize barriers to opportunity for all candidates. We actively seek out talent from underrepresented groups and ensure that our hiring processes are inclusive and equitable.

3. Training and Development: We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to all team members on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. This helps ensure that our team members have the tools and knowledge they need to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

4. Open Communication and Feedback: We encourage open communication and feedback among team members, creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and experiences. We actively seek input from all team members and use feedback to inform our DEI initiatives.

5. Community Engagement: We engage with diverse communities both locally and globally to ensure that our solutions are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. By actively listening to and collaborating with diverse voices, we ensure that our work reflects the values and priorities of the communities we serve.

Through these actions, we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported. We recognize that DEI is an ongoing journey, and we are dedicated to continually improving and evolving our practices to better serve our team and the communities we impact.

Our business model at Yaku is centered around providing value to both the populations we serve and our stakeholders. Here's how we provide value:

1. Impact on Populations We Serve:

   • Environmental Impact: Our primary beneficiaries are the communities surrounding Lake Michigan and the broader ecosystem. We provide value by organizing clean-up events, collecting data on plastic pollution, and advocating for policy changes to mitigate plastic waste. Our efforts contribute to the preservation of Lake Michigan's ecosystem and the protection of wildlife.
   • Community Engagement: We engage volunteers and community members in environmental conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over Lake Michigan's natural resources. By providing opportunities for meaningful participation, we empower individuals to take action and make a positive impact on their communities.
   • Cultural Preservation: We value and promote Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices related to environmental stewardship, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and ancestral connections to the land and waterways.

2. Revenue Generation:

   • Grants and Funding: We seek grants and funding opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners to support our operational costs, including app development, clean-up supplies, and community outreach initiatives.
   • Corporate Sponsorships: We partner with businesses and organizations that share our values and goals to sponsor clean-up events, provide in-kind donations, or support our advocacy efforts. These partnerships provide financial support while also raising awareness about environmental conservation.
   • Donations and Crowdfunding: We accept donations from individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation and want to support our work. We also utilize crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for specific projects or initiatives.
   • Merchandise Fare Trade Sales: We may explore selling branded merchandise, such reusable products, to generate additional revenue and raise awareness about our cause.

Overall, our business model is built on the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. We provide value by making a tangible impact on the health of Lake Michigan and its surrounding communities while also seeking financial support to sustain and scale our efforts over time.

Our business model at Yaku aligns with the principles of social enterprise, aiming to address environmental challenges while achieving financial sustainability. Here's how our business model operates:

Embedded Social Enterprise Model:

• How it Works: The enterprise and the social program are integrated, with the business created to serve clients and further the organization's mission of environmental conservation.
• Examples: Yaku's mobile application serves as both a tool for organizing clean-up events and a platform for advocating for policy changes to mitigate plastic pollution.
• Key Success Factors: Effective training for volunteers and community members, seamless integration of the app with the organization's mission and goals.

Revenue Generation:

1. Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants and donations from foundations, government agencies, and individual supporters who are passionate about environmental conservation. These funds support our operational costs, including app development and clean-up supplies.

2. Corporate Partnerships: We collaborate with businesses and organizations that share our values to sponsor clean-up events, provide in-kind donations, or support our advocacy efforts. These partnerships not only provide financial support but also help raise awareness about environmental conservation.

3. Merchandise Sales: We may explore selling branded merchandise, such as apparel or reusable products, to generate additional revenue and raise awareness about our cause. Revenue from merchandise sales can contribute to funding our initiatives and supporting our operational expenses.

4. Crowdfunding Campaigns: We utilize crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for specific projects or initiatives. Crowdfunding allows us to engage with our community of supporters and mobilize resources for targeted campaigns or goals.

Our plan for financial sustainability is supported by evidence of success in securing grants, receiving donations, establishing corporate partnerships, and conducting successful crowdfunding campaigns. These revenue streams enable us to cover our operational expenses and support our mission of environmental conservation effectively.